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Bicentennial Man

Bicentennial Man

List Price: $14.99
Your Price: $11.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: I wanted to Love this movie
Review: When I first found out about this movie, I was so excited because it is based off a story, "U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men," by Science Fiction's Robot master, Isaac Asimov. When I discovered that Robin Williams was acting in the lead roll I was overjoyed. With so many elements going for it, however, I was disappointed.

Every aspect of the film was flat. Flat script, flat lighting, flat cinematography, typical score, typical effects, silly acting, & flat design. There's very little creativity in what could have been a very emotional & stimulating film. Rarely are we blessed with a science fiction film that focuses more on the human condition than the sci-fi element itself. Although that is exactly what we get here, it's conveyed with the same sense & style as a family sit-com.

Not meant to be a formal review, these are just my opinions. I see there are others that really appreciate this film. Please enjoy their reviews & watch the film yourself so that you might share your own impressions.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "That won't do..."
Review: A common theme: to seek that which you are deprived.

Williams plays Andrew, a robot with an anomaly who seeks recognition he is more. As the film progresses in a Forrest Gump meets A.I. fashion, Andrew meets his issues with a "That won't do..." attitude changing the world and people around him.

To me, it addresses the issue of acceptance and recognition for being different more than the humanity issue. He portrays human characteristics like creativity, making mistakes and love, but his positronic immortality would create jealousy amongst the flesh. The decisions Andrew makes opens my eyes to what I take for granted, and how ridiculous humanity can be at times.

Do I even want to be part of humanity? This movie makes me cry every time (a rarity).



Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of Robin Williams Best!
Review: When I first heard of this movie, I thought it just about a robot and his family, plain and simple. When first saw it on television I found it was much, much more!

Robin Williams is superb in his betrayal about a robot who, by some miracle, becomes "aware" of life. We see his desire to learn more about life and become more human as time passes.

Eventually, he even has the desire to grow old and yes pass on.

Robin never overplays the role, he is perfect in showing how a "being" develops and learns about live until eventually it ends.

The movie is touching, thought provoking, and funny at times.

Such is life!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Flashy but hollow
Review: Bicentennial Man, the latest vehicle for Robin Williams, follows the 200-year odyssey of android Andrew Martin, as he struggles to become human and seek acceptance as one.

Not unlike the emotional struggle faced by Star Trek: The Next Generation's Mr. Data, Andrew is faced with fearful humans who refuse to see his impassioned side, and delight in labelling him as a subordinate "it". Thus, the film briefly touches on the theme of racial intolerance, and the age-old question of what makes a man a man. Andrew is also faced with learning about loss, as the characters he serves all grow old and eventually die.

Taking place as it does over two centuries, the story tries hard to match the sweeping grandeur of such films as Forrest Gump and Gone with the Wind, but advances at such sudden intervals that the narrative becomes choppy. This will undoubtedly cause many children to become confused, with the characters pictured at so many progressive periods in their lives.

But a children's picture this is not. In fact, Bicentennial Man is too heavy-handed for children, with not too subtle discussions of sperm function and sexual intercourse. Some viewers may also be upset with its pro-euthanasia stance. Further, there are not one, but four death-bed scenes, guaranteed to tug at one's heartstrings. Terms of Endearment from a robot's point of view?

The score by James Horner, which at times is reminiscent of his Oscar-winning Titanic theme, swells at all the moments of poignancy, but one can only take so many ups and downs in two hours.

Perhaps to lessen the film's fantasy concept and offer viewers something to relate to, a few generational conflicts are thrown in, but these seem misplaced surrounded by so much wonder. Certainly, the film presents a very Utopian vision of the future, and is visually quite attractive. From sumptuous sets to imposing matte paintings of cityscapes and futuristic (but not over-done) clothing, there is surprisingly minimal gadgetry.

But why is that Hollywood make-up artists still have such a long way to go in creating convincing old-age effects?

Those expecting Robin Williams' usual buffoonery and in-your-face wisecracks will be disappointed, as he instead offers a gentle and understated portrayal of a misfit trying to belong. Bicentennial Man also features Sam Neill, in his usual unobtrusive role, Pepsi-kid Halle Eisenberg as "Little Miss", and a sparkling performance by Ambeth Davidtz as both the grown-up Little Miss and her own granddaughter.

Bicentennial Man is certainly a pleasant diversion from an audience member's own personal struggle, but will fail to generate much moral discussion. Despite his mental and physical transformation from machine to pseudo-man, Andrew can never develop a soul. Consequently, neither can the film itself, which beats with a prosthetic heart. Rating: 6 out of 10.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Robin Williams is Excellent
Review: This is one of my all time favorite movies. I finally purchased my own DVD copy. I plan to watch it over and over again!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: I wanted to Love this movie
Review: When I first found out about this movie, I was so excited because it is based off a story, "U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men," by Science Fiction's Robot master, Isaac Asimov. When I discovered that Robin Williams was acting in the lead roll I was overjoyed. With so many elements going for it, however, I was disappointed.

Every aspect of the film was flat. Flat script, flat lighting, flat cinematography, typical score, typical effects, silly acting, & flat design. There's very little creativity in what could have been a very emotional & stimulating film. Rarely are we blessed with a science fiction film that focuses more on the human condition than the sci-fi element itself. Although that is exactly what we get here, it's conveyed with the same sense & style as a family sit-com.

Not meant to be a formal review, these are just my opinions. I see there are others that really appreciate this film. Please enjoy their reviews & watch the film yourself so that you might share your own impressions.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I am a big fan of Isaac Asimov and this story is one of my favorites! Williams is excellent as a robot who wants to be accepted by society as a person. Oliver Platt steals the movie as a robotics expert who continually "improves" Williams, making him more human each time.

Our heart goes out to Williams who continually argues his position in court, hoping to be legally declared a man!


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